Transexual Transylvania: A GLBT Film Festival in Cluj-Napoca, Romania

I couldn't resist a lead in like that, but who would believe it? In the land of Rocky Horror, or more accurately, in the land of Dracula and Vlad the Impaler there's a glbt film festival this year. Cue the jokes about sucking and impaling.

Romania has had its share of horrors in the last century, not the least the awful government of Nicolae Ceausescu and the scandalous treatment of children in mass orphanages. The Balkan nations are filled with a history of tragedy, so it is always amazing when something like this happens. At a time when lgbt pride marchers are prevented from marching because of mob violence in places like Moscow and Begrade, it is encouraging to see queer culture celebrated in the region. And when I use the word encouraging, i do so with a full understanding that the word courage is within its meaning.

This is not even the first year of the festival — it began in 2004, founded by Romanian gay activist Lucian Dunareanu and his organization, Be An Angel Romania. I have to say, he looks rather angelic to me. And he seems to be all over it, as executive director of BAAR, the man behind the film festival, editor of Romania's gay rights magazine Angelicuss and the owner/manager of a drag musical act that has appeared in Eurovision. Now that's a queer Renaissance man.

So while I treat the news of this festival light heartedly, don't think I take this news lightly. It is a mark of our progress as a people. I wish I could be there to see it. Learn more about it here.

Comments

[SFG 2009]

Thanks for your post.

http://sfg.beanangel.ro/anotherqueerjubu-despre-sfg